News links: Midday update

Welcome to Texas on the Potomac’s “midday update.” Every weekday, we will bring you three sets of news links, starting with a morning summary of top Texas headlines, national stories and Texas political blog posts. We’ll update at midday update with some of the top political stories that are making waves. And we’ll give you an “afternoon final” giving you something to talk about at the dinner table. As always, feel free to e-mail us with link suggestions.

1. In a story reminiscent of one you’d read during the Cold War, the FBI arrested 10 people Sunday charged with acting as spies for Russia. The alleged spies had been working for nongovernmental organizations to gain access to Washington policy insiders in order to find out U.S. national security strategies and policies. The Washington Post>>>

2. Democrats let out a sigh of relief Monday when they learned there would not be a special election to fill Sen. Robert Byrd’s seat. Rather, West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin, D, will appoint Byrd’s successor. The Hill>>>

3. Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate Bill White told Politico Monday that “his odds of knocking off two-term Texas Gov. Rick Perry might even be greater if President Obama had exhibited more fiscal restraint during his first 18 months in office.” Politico>>>

4. Politico has a story this morning about the late Sen. Robert Byrd, D-W.Va. According to the story, Byrd’s health woes were a closely guarded secret, and when Byrd’s staff released the statement saying the Senator was “seriously ill,” many knew that things were dire.

5. If you’re looking to learn more about Nevada Republican Senatorial candidate Sharron Angle, don’t look to the news media. Angle is reportedly not granting media outlets access to her or her campaign &#151 unless of course they are friendly talk show hosts. The New York Times>>>

6. Many are riveted to the World Cup tournament going on this summer, but one Texas man may have taken his fandom too far. Police say Hector Castro, 28, a McAllen, Texas resident, allegedly killed his 2-year-old stepdaughter because she kept crying during the U.S.-Ghana World Cup match on Saturday. USA Today>>>

7. Former first daughter Jenna Bush Hager &#151 now a correspondent for NBC’s Today Show &#151 did a segment this morning on Yellowstone National Park. What do you think of her performance? Tell us in your comments below